LWV-Wilmette Eyewitness/Observer Corps

First Person Reports on Meeting of Wilmette Area Governments​

Monitoring local government meeting is a long-established practice of the League of Women Voters. It is one approach to help inform citizens about current issues and their governments.
​
Members volunteer to attend or watch a meeting and share what they observed in a written report

​Recent Updates

 As of December 6, 2019
 
Since the last update, LWVW Observers have observed and reported on the following local government meetings:
 
Village Board: November 12 and 26
Park Board: November 11; Committee-of-Whole November 13 and December 4
WPS D. 39: CoW November 11; BoE November 18; Special BoE December 2
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed: November 18
Library Board: November 19; Partners & Advocacy Comm. Nov. 11; Finance Comm. Dec. 3
 
Highlights:
Wilmette Village Board

• FY2020 Budget Ordinance adopted at the November 26 VB meeting, after being introduced at November 12 meeting. Click here to see the information from the meeting packet on the budget ordinance.  Click here to see the budget.
• 2019 Tax Levy Ordinance introduced at the November 26 VB meeting and is set to be voted on at the December 10 meeting. The proposed ordinance calls for a $928,600 or 4.99% increase in the 2019 tax levy over 2018’s tax levy.  The Village’s presentation of that increase over 2018’s levy breaks down the components of that $928,600 increase as follows:  General Operations $266,508, Add’l for Road Infrastructure $500,515, Debt Service $22,287, and Pension Funding Obligations $139,290.  Click here  to see the information from the meeting packet on the tax levy ordinance.
• Stormwater Project developments:
  • Stormwater Utility Ordinance introduced at November 12 VB meeting, and is set to voted on at December 10 meeting, to pay debt service expected to be due on bonds expected to be issued to fund the project.
  • Approved waiving competitive bids to allow staff to negotiate with a specific vendor, StormTrap, Inc, for the pre-purchase of pre-cast concrete units for Phase 1 of the stormwater improvement project at Community Playfield. The normalized system cost estimate with contingency for the StormTrap system is $9.8M.

For more LWVW coverage of the stormwater improvement project and the new stormwater utility, including links to documents, see LWVW’s page on the stormwater improvement project here.
 
Wilmette Park Board

• Proposed 2019 tax levy introduced at the November 11 Park Board meeting, discussed further at the December 4 committee-of-the-whole (CoW) meeting and is expected to be voted on at the December 9 Park Board meeting. Click here to see the proposed 2019 tax levy and the accompanying memo from the November 11 Park Board meeting packet, and here  for more detail on the proposed 2019 tax levy from a handout at the December 4 CoW meeting. The Park Board’s proposed 2019 tax levy calls for a .82% increase over 2018’s tax extension, in each case exclusive of amounts levied/extended for debt service.  When debt service is taken into account, the proposed 2019 tax levy is approximately the same as the 2018 tax extension.  When looking only at tax capped funds, the proposed 2019 tax levy for tax capped funds is 1.66% greater than the 2018 tax extension for tax capped funds.
• In continuation of its FY2020 budget review, the CoW reviewed the entire proposed FY2020 budget on December 4 after a line by line walk-through of the 5-year capital improvement plan on November 13.  See here for the handout on the proposed FY2020 budget from the December 4 CoW meeting.  The Park Board is expected to vote on this proposed budget at its regular January meeting. 

 
Wilmette Public Schools D. 39 Board of Ed

• Adopted its 2019 Tax Levy resolution at its November 18 BoE.  Its 2019 tax levy on tax-capped funds calls for a 1.9% increase over 2018’s extension, exclusive of new property growth, and an additional 2.15% increase over 2018’s extension to estimate for new property growth.  In her presentation at the meeting, Business Manager Ellen Crispino noted that additional property taxes extended because of new property growth are paid by the owners of the new property.  When the debt service levy (not tax-capped) is also included, the total levy increase over 2018’s extension is 3.86%.  Click here to see information from the meeting packet on the tax levy.
• Accepted the FY2019 Financial Audit from Klein Hall CPAs, which is part of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (“CAFR”) and can be seen here.  D39’s FY2019 ended June 30, 2019.  The Audit Report gave an “unmodified” opinion, sometimes referred to as a “clean” opinion, meaning that the auditor found that the financial statements set forth in the CAFR are fairly stated in all material respects.  The Management’s Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) in the CAFR noted that for the 17th year in a row D39 retained the ISBE’s highest financial rating for FY2019, and its overall weighted score remained 4.00 on a 4-point scale.  The MD&A also noted that for FY2019, D39’s operating revenue was $62.6M, its operating expenditures were $57.3M and its ending operating fund balance was $39.6M, or 69.1% of operating expenditures.  The MD&A also noted factors bearing on D39’s future, including 1) the tax cap, 2) contracts for certified staff running through 2021 and for support staff running through 2020, 3) refunds from property tax appeals and 4) pension issues.
• At a special BoE meeting on December 2, met with Village engineering staff, outside engineering consultants and Village President Bielinski on the Village Neighborhood Stormwater project.  They discussed the easements the Village is asking for from D.39 and BoE concerns about the impact of 2020 construction at Community Playfield on D.39, especially Highcrest Middle School. For more LWVW coverage on the stormwater plan, see here.

 
NTHS D. 203 BoE

• Adopted its 2019 Tax Levy resolution on November 18. Click here and here to see the tax levy resolution and certificate of tax levy, and click here and here to see information and presentation material on the tax levy, all from the meeting information.  District 203’s 2019 tax levy for tax-capped funds is based on the 2018 tax extension times 2018 CPI of 1.9%, plus estimated tax revenue from new property, to bring the total proposed levy increase for tax-capped funds to 3.55%.  District 203 says it estimates high for new property growth because if its estimate is low, the district forfeits the opportunity to collect the related revenue on the property, but if it estimates high the County will automatically reduce the tax extension based on the actual value of new property.  When the debt service levy (not tax-capped) is also included, the total levy increase over 2018’s total extension is 3.11% because debt service is decreasing.
• Dr. Sally addressed the November 8th lockdown at the Winnetka campus and security concerns raised by parents and faculty in the aftermath of the incident. Both Dr. Sally and Winnetka Police Chief Mark Hornstein addressed the board about the response and the lessons learned as a result of the false alarm and subsequent lockdown.
• The board received a report on options to improve the athletic facilities at the Winnetka campus as part of the District’s 15 year facilities plan rather than through a bond referendum.

 
Wilmette Library Board

• Approved its 2019 tax levy ordinance at its November 19 Board meeting.  The total amount of the Library District’s 2019 tax levy is the same as the total amount of its 2018 tax levy. Click here to see information on the levy from the meeting packet.
• Approved a $22K capital reserves study proposal from Engberg Anderson Architects.  Click here to the proposal from the meeting packet.
• Received and heard a presentation from Sikich LLP on the Annual Financial Report, which is with respect to the library district’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.  Click here to see the report.  The Independent Auditor’s Report, which was part of the report and prepared by Sikich, contains an “unmodified” or “clean” opinion, meaning that in Sikich’s opinion, the financial statements that are part of the Annual Financial Report fairly represent in all material respects the financial position of the library district. The Management Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) section of the report note the following: 1) the district’s general fund revenues were $5,829,408 and general fund expenditures and transfers (including a $300K transfer to the special reserve fund) were $6,161,698, resulting in a total general fund deficiency of $332,290; and 2) fund balances at the end of the FY were $8,626,327 (unrestricted) and $6,793,944 (special reserve and other restricted funds) for a total funds balance of $15,420,271.
• Started review of current Library District financial policies, as seen here , at Finance Committee meeting on December 3.  The committee will be working on making recommendations for revising these policies in upcoming meetings.

As of November 5, 2019
 
Since the last update, LWVW Observers have observed and reported on the following local government meetings:
 
Village Board: October 7 and 22; Committee of the Whole (CoW) October 17
Park Board: October 15
WPS D. 39: CoW October 21; BoE October 28
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed: October 21
Library Board: October 15; Finance Committee October 28
 
Highlights:
Wilmette Village Board

• Received from administrative staff the Presentation of the Proposed FY2020 Budget at its October 7 VB meeting, and further discussed the proposed budget at its October 17 CoW Budget Workshop.  To see the Proposed FY 2020 budget, click here.   To see the information materials from the Budget Workshop, click here.[1]   Budget materials include the projected tax levy request.  Next steps involve introduction of the Budget Ordinance at the November 12 VB meeting and adoption of the Budget Ordinance at the November 26 VB meeting.  The Tax Levy Ordinance is expected to be introduced at the November 26 VB meeting and adopted at the December 10 VB meeting.
• Adopted an ordinance at the October 22 VB meeting providing for a moratorium, set to expire June 30, 2021, on any new cannabis business establishment operating within the Village and making certain technical amendments to the Village Code regarding cannabis.  Click here[2]  to see ordinance and information from meeting packet on it.

 
Wilmette Park Board

• Each Park Board committee has been reviewing its budget applicable to that committee at committee meetings.  Expect committee-of-the-whole (CoW) meetings addressing the 5-year capital improvement plan on November 12 and the 2020 operating budget on December 4.  The budget & appropriations ordinance is expected to be posted on December 6 and voted on at the January 13 Park Board meeting following a public hearing on the same immediately preceding the meeting.
• Expect the proposed tax levy to be introduced at the November 11 Park Board meeting and voted on at the December 11 Park Board meeting (following a public hearing on the same immediately preceding the meeting).

 
Wilmette Public Schools D. 39 Board of Ed

• Approved a review of the proposed 2019 Tax Levy and set the public hearing on it for November 18.  The BoE will vote on it at the BoE meeting immediately following the public hearing.  Click here to see the proposed 2019 Tax Levy.
• Approved the Superintendent’s and district’s goals for 2019-20, as seen here.
• Approved select student fees for the 2020-21 school year.  Click here to see. 
• By consensus gave direction to the administration concerning who will be eligible to register for the Kindergarten Enrichment & Enhancement Program (“KEEP39”) projected to start at Central and Harper schools in the the 2020-21 school year. The Board expressed support for opening registration only to students in kindergarten at those schools. KEEP39 is currently projected to start at Romona and McKenzie in the 2021-22 school year.  Construction is required at a school before KEEP39 can start there, which is one of the reasons for the phased-in start. See here for the meeting information on KEEP39, including the options presented for registration.
• At its C-o-W, agreed by consensus to take a position opposing two resolutions proposed for action by the Illinois Association of School Boards to allow school districts to decide whether trained civilians could carry guns in schools. The LWVW sent a communication to BoE members prior to the meeting advocating for them to oppose those two resolutions.  To see this communication, click here[3] .
• At its C-o-W, heard from Village engineering staff and outside engineering consultants on the Village Neighborhood Stormwater project and how that project will affect D.39, including at Highcrest with respect to the construction at Community Playfield expected to last from April to November 2020.  The Village is also seeking from District 39 a temporary easement related to construction activity and a permanent easement related to 36” sewer pipes to be installed at Highcrest.  See here[4]  for a copy of the handout from the VIllage at that C-o-W.  BoE members expressed that they still had questions and concerns, and it is expected that D39 will host another meeting with BoE members and Village representatives to discuss the project as it affects D39.

 
NTHS D. 203 BoE

• Approved the 2019 Tentative Tax Levy and set the public hearing for November 18.  The BoE will vote on it at the November 18 BoE meeting following the public hearing.  Click here to see the 2019 Tentative Tax Levy and here to see the presentation materials, both from the October 21 BoE meeting packet.
• Received from its outside auditor the Annual Financial Report for the 2018-19 FY, as seen here.
• Voted on its positions regarding a number of resolutions proposed for action by the Illinois Association of School Boards, including to oppose two resolutions to allow school districts to decide whether trained civilians could carry guns in schools. The LWVW spoke at the meeting and advocated for the BoE to oppose those two resolutions.

 
Wilmette Library Board

• At its October 15 Board meeting approved the proposed 2019 tax levy, to be voted on in final form at its November 19 Board meeting after a public hearing on the same.  To see that proposed tax levy and information from the October 15 meeting packet on it, click here.  At its October 28 Finance Committee meeting, the Finance Committee voted to recommend Board approval of that same proposed 2019 tax levy.
• At its October 28 Finance Committee meeting the Finance Committee voted to recommend Board acceptance of a $22K non-bid contract proposal from an architecture firm regarding a long-term capital reserves study.  We do not have a copy of the proposal.  Expect the Board to vote on the contract proposal at its November meeting.

As of October 4, 2019
 
Since the last update, LWVW Observers have observed and reported on the following local government meetings:
 
Village Board: September 10 & 24; Committee of the Whole (CoW) September 23
Park Board: September 9
WPS D. 39: CoW September 16, BoE September 23
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed: Sept. 16
Library Board: Sept. 17; Finance Comm. Sept. 11 & Oct. 2; Advocacy & Partners Comm. Sept. 24
 
 
Highlights:
Wilmette Village Board

• Adopted an ordinance, which is applicable to establishments that have a WIlmette liquor license to sell liquor for consumption on the premises, to prohibit concealed carry of  firearms upon on the premises, with some exceptions.  Click here to see a memorandum on this ordinance, with the ordinance attached, from the VB September 24 information packet.
• Has been diving in deep with budget and tax levy season in full swing, with the Village’s 2019’s tax levy potentially having largest year-over-year increase in years. The Trustees continued their consideration of the road program with a second in-depth presentation and discussion of that road program (see September 5 Observer Corps update below for first discussion).  Depending on what the VB ultimately decides with respect to the road program and certain other variables, the increase in the 2019 tax levy from 2018 could be 7.6%, resulting in a property tax increase to the Village portion of the average residential taxpayer’s annual tax bill of $137. Expect continued consideration of the road program at the October 7 VB meeting, when the proposed budget is expected to be introduced, and the October 17 (and potentially October 29) CoW meeting.
• Moved closer to implementing a new stormwater utility fee to take effect starting January 1, 2020, to fund the Neighborhood Stormwater Project, and reached consensus on four major policy decisions with respect to that fee. The average residential annual stormwater fee could be $136 (composed of a $40 fixed fee per customer and the rate to be charged to the middle tier of residential customers) in 2020 and gradually increase to $418 by 2026 ($126 fixed fee plus the rate charged to the middle tier of residential customers) under projections presented at the September CoW meeting.  Those numbers will change as decisions made are incorporated into the fee and as future years’ costs become known. For more details on the stormwater fee and prior history related to this project, see our League’s updates here. Expect the rate ordinance to be introduced at the October 22 VB meeting and voted on at the November 12 VB meeting, and expect communications from the Village regarding this new utility fee.
• For the information packet related to the September CoW meeting discussions of both the road program and the stormwater utility, as well as discussions on the 2020 water and sewer fees and budget/tax levy and stormwater fee implementation calendars, click here. To view that CoW meeting, click here.
• Introduced an ordinance to be voted on at the October 22 VB meeting providing for a moratorium, set to expire June 30, 2021, on any new cannabis business establishment operating within the Village and making certain technical amendments to the Village Code regarding cannabis.  Also appointed the Judiciary Committee as a Special Zoning Committee to review ordinance changes.  Click here to see a memorandum on these proposed actions from the VB’s September 24 meeting packet, which states that the moratorium’s purpose “is to keep the status quo while the Village receives the desired public input in making its final decision about the allowance or restriction of Cannabis Business Establishments within Wilmette.”

 
Wilmette Park Board

• Director Steve Wilson reported to the Board that the Park District’s outside legal counsel is in the process of drafting an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the Park District and the Village concerning the Village’s stormwater project, which will involve the construction of stormwater reservoirs at Community Playfield, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park.  He reported that he hopes to get the draft IGA to the Village by mid-October and that the IGA will be approved by both boards by the end of 2019.
• Budget and tax levy season has begun, and a Budget Calendar has been set for when committees, the committee-of-the-whole and the Park Board will have budget, capital improvement and tax levy discussions this fall.

 
Wilmette Public Schools D. 39 Board of Ed

• Discussed in depth its projected construction timeline for 2020-2022 at its CoW, subject to individual projects being ultimately approved by the BoE. The timing of some projects was coordinated with Village construction projects, including next summer at Community Playfield, which will put HMS out of commission for the summer, and to make the introduction of Kindergarten Enrichment a 2-year phase-in (with KE starting at Central and Harper Fall 2020 and at McKenzie and Romona Fall 2021), rather than a 3-year phase-in as previously projected.  See here for this timeline.
• Adopted the 2019-2020 District 39 Strategic Plan.  Click here to see the plan that was adopted.

 
NTHS D. 203 BoE

• Approved the 2019-20 Final Budget, which is the spending plan for the district. Presentation and information packet materials show: 1) revenue numbers reflecting the final tax extension information received in June 2019 based on the 2018 tax levy up from what was assumed at the time of the 2018 levy request because of greater new property amounts than assumed (The LWVW’s understanding is that because of the school district having a July 1-June 30 fiscal year and the timing of when property taxes are paid, those are the property tax revenues most relevant for FY 2019-20); 2) property taxes making up 91% of revenue; 3) salaries making up 67% of expenditures and benefits making up 12%; and 4) an expected $215,644 operating funds surplus for FY2019-20. Board questioning brought out that the starting operating fund balance is at about 80% of budgeted operating expenditures (and is expected to remain so at the end of FY2019-20), which will be shown more in detail at next month’s BoE meeting when the audit is presented.  Click here to see a memorandum on the Final Budget, here to see the presentation on the Final Budget and here to see the budget form to be submitted to ISBE, all from the meeting packet.
• Approved Summer 2020 Facilities Work totalling $12.4M. Click here and here for information from the meeting packet.
• Heard an update from Superintendent Paul Sally on the New Trier 2030 Equity Goals Initiative.  Dr. Sally reported that this initiative arose to address data from last school year’s Comprehensive School Climate Inventory, Youth Risk Behavior Survey and Extracurricular Data collection that showed a consisentent trend that NTHS students are having different experiences based upon their racial and gender identities, sexual orientation, and special education status.  The Equity Goals Committee formed as part of this initiative drafted a working definition for equity in an educational setting that says, in part: “Educational equity strives for fairness in both expectations and opportunities for all students and staff.” It was noted that, as a working definition, it is subject to review and revision, and that the word “fairness” is italicized to remind that “fair does not necessarily mean equal.” Click here to see the memorandum from the meeting packet on this topic, including the full working definition of “equity in an educational setting” and 2019-20 equity goals created by different departments and areas.Heard from Superintendent Sally on the launching of Parent/Community Advisory Groups.  Click here to see the memorandum from the meeting packet on this topic.

 
Wilmette Library Board

• Heard a presentation at its September Finance Committee meeting, at which all Board members were in attendance, concerning the current 2018 tax bill summary and the Library District’s portion (3.6%) of it for most Wilmette residents and various general budget references for WPL Trustees to consider, including with respect to the Budget & Appropriation Ordinance, which gives the Library District authority to spend money legally received (adopted by the Library Board for its July 1 2019-June 30 2020 fiscal year at its August Board meeting), and the Tax Levy Ordinance, which is the authorization needed by the County to calculate the tax rate for the district.  Expect a discussion more specifically tailored to the Library District’s 2019 tax levy at its board meeting on October 15, when the 2019 tax levy is expected to be introduced.
• Finance Committee voted at its October meeting to authorize the Library Director to seek bids for a comprehensive building and equipment study to identify short and long term needs for the Library District.

 
 


As of September 5, 2019
 
Since the last update, LWVW Observers have observed and reported on the following local government meetings:
 
Village Board: August 27; Land Use Committee August 19
Park Board: August 12 (regular meeting) and 19 (special meeting)
WPS D. 39: Committee-of-the-Whole August 19, BoE August 26
Library Board: Aug. 20; Policy Committee Aug. 19; Advocacy and Partners Committee Aug. 27
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed: August 26
 
Highlights:
Wilmette Village Board and Park Board
Approved a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to be executed between the Park District and the Village concerning Village stormwater improvements to be constructed in three Park District parks.  The MoU sets forth the general locations/footprints of stormwater reservoirs to go in Community Playfields, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park.  The LWVW has been following this project closely; for more information, see our website page here, which includes a copy of the MoU, next steps and earlier developments with the stormwater project.
Village Board: In addition to the MoU with the Park Board, the Village Board also:

• Heard a presentation from Village engineering staff on the Village’s annual road program, which is the start of the Village Board’s consideration of a long-term plan to address improving the conditions of roads in Wilmette, which have an average rating of “poor”.  Click here to see the presentation.  No decisions made yet, and staff was asked to come back with responses to questions from Trustees.   Expect increased expenditures on roads starting in the near future to bring the average condition of roads in Wilmette up to “fair” condition. For those keeping score, we’ve now heard at Village Board meetings of significantly increasing expenditures in the near future with respect to public safety pension contributions, stormwater management and now roads. All will come into play as the Village Board considers and votes on its FY 2020 (January 1-December 31) budget, 2019 tax levy and utility fees. Expect more discussion on all.
• Heard a presentation on options facing the Village Board as recreational cannabis becomes legal in Illinois on January 1, 2020.  With respect to sales of recreational cannabis in the Village, the Village Board will be considering whether to 1) prohibit it, 2) permit it, but substantially limit it (through zoning and other ordinances), or 3) declare a moratorium followed by further review or a referendum.  See here for presentation.  Expect more discussion at upcoming Judiciary committee and VB meetings.

 
Wilmette Library Board
Continued its FY2020 (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020) budget and Budget & Appropriations Ordinance (B&AO) process by approving its final FY 2020 B&AO in August, after approving its FY 2020 budget in June.   The B&AO is what authorizes the library district to spend money during its upcoming fiscal year, while the budget is what the library district expects to spend.  The B&AO contains a 10% cushion over expenditures in the budget. Both the budget and B&AO assume property tax revenues based on the 2018 tax levy approved by the Library Board in November 2018, though actual property tax revenues may be less (actual FY2020 tax revenues generally are the second installment of 2018 property taxes, which were due August 2019, and the first installment of 2019 property taxes, which are an estimate based on 2018 property taxes paid, which are expected to be due in March 2020).  That 2018 tax levy was 6% less than the 2017 tax levy.  Both the budget and B&AO call for FY2020 expenditures to exceed revenues, though both also start out with a large operating fund balance, equal to the ending operating fund balance in the latest audited financials (FY ending June 30, 2018).  Both also start out with large special building/equipment fund balances.  To see the BA&O, click here.  Expect further discussion of the fund balances as the Library Board begins to discuss its 2019 tax levy, which it will be developing in the next few months and voting on at its November or December board meeting.  The 2019 tax levy will mostly affect the FY2021 year because of the interaction of how/when property taxes are paid and the library district having a July 1-June 30 fiscal year.
 
Wilmette Public Schools D. 39 Board of Ed

• Approved its FY2020 (July 1-June 30) budget. The budget plans for a $1.7M operating fund deficit, largely because of construction projects at HMS and Harper, and is expected to yield a year-end combined operating fund balance equal to $37.73M, or 60.8% of estimated annual operating fund expenditures. The final budget as approved was updated from June to reflect more up to date financial information, including expected FY2020 tax revenues.  Click here to see the budget as approved.
• Received a 2019-20 enrollment update, slightly decreased from 2018-19. Click here to see.
• Received the annual administrator and teacher salary and benefits report for FY2019, detailing the salary and benefits for 301 distinct employees. Click here to see.
• At its committee-of-the-whole, heard preliminary estimates on expected summer 2020 construction at Central School, related to starting Kindergarten Enrichment there, and possibly large space air conditioning for the cafeteria there.
• At its c-o-w, heard about possibly joining with other taxing districts in intervening in commercial property tax appeals at the board of review (BoR) stage to avoid large refund situations at a later stage; assessment reductions at a later stage, after property taxes have been paid for that year, result in refunds, which come out of the education fund, while assessment reductions at the BoR stage, prior to when property taxes are paid for that year, do not result in refunds. An outside attorney noted that the commercial assessment process this year resulted in big assessment increases that may not ultimately stand up, so districts are considering intervening earlier to minimize having to pay big refunds later. Intervening at the BoR stage would be earlier than typically done, and would perhaps encourage settlements closer to what the taxpayers are advocating if that is what appraisals support. No decision made.

 
NTHS D. 203 BoE

• Heard a presentation on the 15-year facility plan, outlining a framework for future projects.  It was noted that there is no planned referendum for capital work in the foreseeable future.  To see, click here.
• Received recommendations for summer 2020 construction projects totalling $12.4 million, including for Winnetka 3rd floor and Northfield library and mechanical systems and security and environmental updates at both campuses.  To see more information, click here and here.
• Received an update on teacher and leader evaluations and goal setting, including that student feedback now to be included in the process.  For more detail, see here and here. 

​As of August 7, 2019
 
With a lighter summer meeting schedule, LWVW observers have only covered one local government board meeting since our last update in mid-July: the July 23 Village Board meeting.  But it was an important one--and more important meetings are set for August.
 
Highlights from July 23 Village Board meeting:

• The VB  kicked off its FY2020 budget and tax levy processes, with a FY2019 mid-year financial review and a FY2020 budget/capital improvement program preview.  Comments from Trustees included that the budget preview was “sobering” and the “toughest” experienced.
• Three funds were discussed: the General Fund (which includes general operations, public safety pensions and debt service), the Water Fund and the Sewer Fund.  Some weak points were noted in FY2019 revenue projections based on mid-year experience, leading to caution for FY2020 revenue projections. As a result, the general fund tax levy increase from last year could be as high as 4.9%, resulting in an increase in $90 on the average property tax bill, although that could come down as FY2020 revenue projections are refined and decisions are made. 
• Some of the decisions to be made as budget and tax levy discussions progress include: what capital improvement projects to fund (noted some can be pushed back, but will need to be done in the near future), whether to fund a $175K new comprehensive plan (it has already been pushed back before), whether to adopt a new amortization method for public safety pensions (VB agreed by consensus to do so at an April 2019 meeting, as we reported in our April 12 update below, but that was not binding), which would result in higher pension contributions in the next few years but is expected to save the Village in the long run, and how much to use of reserves vs. a property tax increase.  
• Water and sewer fund highlights include that water consumption has declined significantly over the years, resulting in lower and unpredictable revenues for both funds, impacting both funds significantly (and drawing down reserves).  New water and sewer rates are listed as TBD.  A potential new stormwater utility to fund debt service expected to be issued with respect to the Village’s $68.2M stormwater project was also discussed.
• A copy of the FY2019 Mid-Year Financial Review and FY2020 Budget/CIP Preview excerpted from the meeting packet online is here. The expected FY2020 Budget/Tax Levy Calendar was set forth in the packet (and updated on the Village website):
  • August 27:  Municipal Services Committee to Review Road Program
  • Sept 23 CoW: Stormwater Utility Implementation & Eng’g/Road Program CIP
  • October 7: Presentation of Proposed Budget (date as currently on website)
  • October: CoW Budget Workshop(s)
  • November 26: Adopt FY2020 Budget
  • December 10: Adopt Tax Levy
• The VB approved two contracts with respect to the Village’s stormwater project on the consent agenda (one with an outside consultant regarding the potential implementation of a new stormwater utility fee to fund debt service expected to be issued with the project and the other a supplement no. 2 to the current contract with an outside engineering firm  regarding fall storm sewer work and optimization in the preliminary design) and heard much public comment on the Park Board’s consensus decision at its July 8th meeting for the location/configuration of the reservoir at Community Playfields.  For more detail on these and other developments with respect to this project, see our Stormwater Management Project page here.

 
Coming up in August--Meetings We Expect to Observe:
 
Park Board: August 12 (regular meeting) and August 19 (special meeting, expected to vote on Memorandum of Understanding with Village concerning Stormwater Project)
Village Board:  August 27 (expected to vote on Memorandum of Understanding with Park District concerning Stormwater Project); VB Committee Meetings: Land Use (Aug 19); Public Safety (Aug. 22) and Municipal Services (Aug. 27).
D. 39 BoE: August 19 (C-o-W) and August 22 (Special BoE) and August 26 (Regular BoE).
D. 203 BoE: August 26
Library Board:  August 27
 

As of July 19, 2019
 
Since the last update, LWVW Observers have observed and reported on the following local government meetings:
 
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed: June 10, July 15
Library Board: Policy Comm. June 3, Finance Comm. June 11, Board June 18, July 16
WPS D. 39: Committee-of-the-Whole June 10, BoE June 17
Village Board: Board June 11, June 25, July 9; C-o-W on Stormwater Project Funding June 13
Park Board: June 10, July 8
 
Highlights:
Wilmette Village Board

• At a committee-of-the-whole meeting, heard a report from Raftelis on two different alternatives for funding the $68.2M stormwater project: increasing the sewer fee or establishing a new stormwater utility based on impervious surface. Staff was given the go-ahead to begin work on a potential new stormwater utility, without committing to that as the funding mechanism, which could potentially charge single family residential customers based on which of 3 tiers of impermeable surface square footage they fall in.
• Received its FY2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
• The board heard a presentation on the Streetscape project and approved it in concept. See Village website for more details on this project, slated for summer 2020.

 
Park Board

• Arrived at a consensus at its July meeting on locations for underground storage retention tanks at Community Playfields, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park in connection with the Village Stormwater Project, after hearing a report from Baxter & Woodman on alternative locations at its June meeting.
• Aiming to have a memorandum of understanding with the Village on the Village Stormwater Project for approval at its August meeting.
• Received its FY2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

 
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed

• Approved the proposed IGA between the Village of Winnetka and District 203 regarding stormwater improvements at Duke Childs Field.  The Village of Winnetka must still get approval from several other governmental agencies in order to implement the plan. The representatives from the Village of Winnetka reported that they do not yet have a proposed date to begin construction or a timeline for completion.
• Heard Supt. Sally’s report on the progress of the New Trier 2030 Strategic Plan. Progress was made on all 11 strategies that are part of the 2019 annual plan. The BoE intends to seek parent involvement in the form of an advisory committee in order to help the BoE and the administration understand what issues parents believe should be a focus.
• Approved planned security enhancements to the Northfield campus. The plan includes controlled access and fencing and the enclosure of the courtyards.
• Heard update on 15-year capital improvement plan currently in development.  No referendum is  anticipated.

 
Wilmette Library Board

• Continued its FY2020 (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020) budget and Budget & Appropriations Ordinance (B&AO) process by approving its tentative FY 2020 B&AO at its July meeting (to be voted on in final form at August meeting after a public hearing) and its FY2020 budget at its June meeting. The difference between the budget and the B&AO? The budget is what the Library actually expects to collect/spend, while the B&AO is what the library is authorized to collect/spend, taking into account potential windfalls and/or catastrophes. The tentative B&AO includes a 10% cushion in each line item above what is in the budget.
• Approved a resolution outlining the long range plan for the district’s Building & Equipment Reserve Fund (aka Special Reserve Fund), which was $5,785,982 at end of FY 2018 (June 30 2018); the fund is for remodeling, repairing, improving the existing library building, and purchasing eligible new equipment.

 
Wilmette Public Schools D. 39 Board of Ed

• Passed an Anti-Hate Resolution and committed to action to be determined over the coming months.
• Reviewed report on progress made on 2018-19 Strategic Plan Goals.
• Reviewed annual MAP growth report (report on computer adaptive assessment used to monitor student achievement and growth over time, given 3 times/year to students in grades 2-8).

​As of May 31, 2019
 
Since the last update, LWVW Observers have observed and reported on the following local government meetings:
 
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed: Regular BoE April 15 & May 20, Special BoE April 29.
Wilmette Library Board: Finance Committee April 15, Board April 16 & May 21
WPS D. 39: Committee-of-the-Whole April 15 & May 13, Board of Ed April 22 & May 20
Village Board: April 23, May 14 & May 28
Park Board: May 13
 
Highlights:
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed

• Reviewed a draft Intergovernmental Agreement with Village of Winnetka, negotiated over the course of the last year, to be voted on at June BoE, regarding 14.2 acre-feet of underground stormwater storage to be installed at D.203’s Duke Childs Fields in conjunction with the Village’s stormwater management plan. Also received a $5.9M proposal from the NTHS Athletic Department to improve the fields simultaneously with the installation of the tank.  Installation/improvements expected to start summer 2020 at the earliest, and will take a year.
• Approved a 4-year faculty contract for 2019-23 and a 5-year physical plant services association contract for 2019-24. 
• Heard from the Kenilworth Village Manager about Kenilworth’s proposed TIF District for the Green Bay Rd. business corridor on 4/29 after the BoE discussed the TIF on 4/15 and indicated its lack of support for the TIF; BoE members had several pointed questions for the Village Manager about the proposed TIF and remained non-supportive.
• Approved its 2019-2020 Annual Plan and District/Superintendent goals.
• Heard about NTHS Civics curriculum (a semester-long civics class is a state graduation requirement starting with the class of 2020) and a restructuring of the electives departments.
• Bid farewell to outgoing BoE members Lori Goldstein and Patrick O’Donoghue and swore in new members Jean Hahn and Brad McClane and returning member Cathleen Albrecht.
• Elected Cathleen Albrecht as President, Mark Glucksman as Vice President.

 
Wilmette Library Board

• Kicked off its FY2020 (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020) Budget and Budget & Appropriations Ordinance planning at its April Finance Committee meeting by reviewing a tentative FY2020 budget.   
• Heard updates on the outdoor renovation project underway, with concrete to be poured early June and landscaping to be finished by late June/early July.
• Bid farewell to outgoing Trustees Kathleen O’Laughlin and Virginia George, and swore in new Trustees Joan Fishman and Fina Riddle and returning Trustees Lisa McDonald and Jan Barshis.
• Elected Lisa McDonald as President, Stuart Wolf as Vice President, Ronald Rodgers as Treasurer, Jan Barshis as Secretary.

 
Wilmette Public Schools D. 39 Board of Ed

• Reviewed its 2019-20 tentative budget.  The largest portion of the Operating Funds is the Education Fund, which assumes a tax levy to the tax cap for both 2018 (tax levy passed in December 2018) and 2019 (tax levy to be voted on in November).  The tax levy process is separate from the budget process, though intertwined.  The tentative budget is to be voted on at the August 26, 2019, BoE meeting after a public hearing.
• Received this year’s CRC report on Mobile Learning in grades K-4, which recommends 1:1 mobile learning in these grades and other actions to make that learning successful.
• Approved administrators’ 2019-20 contractual salary and benefits.
• Heard about the introduction of a WJHS school safety dog.
• Approved Harper construction bids totalling ~3.5M for summer 2019 & 2020 construction of new kindergarten enrichment and therapeutic intervention program classrooms.
• Approved new asst. principals at McKenzie/Central (Anthony Haduch) and HMS (Linda Moric). Supt. Lechner announced Dana Nasiakos to be interim McKenzie principal.
• Bid farewell to outgoing BoE members Alice Schaff and Tracy Kearney and swore in new members Erin Stone and Amy Poehling and returning member Frank Panzica.
• Elected Lisa Schneider-Fabes as President, Frank Panzica as Vice-President.

 
Wilmette Village Board

• Proclamation by Village President Bielinski designating June 10 as a day to celebrate women’s right to vote and Illinois’ important role in achieving that right in the United States, acknowledging the 100th anniversary of Illinois being the first state to ratify the 19th amendment.
• Heard a presentation on the Wilmette Downtown Streetscape Project.
• Approved an engineering contract for Skokie Blvd/Lake Ave. intersection improvements.
• Approved a ~$25K supplement to engineering firm working on Stormwater Plan design to 1) take into account updated Illinois State Water Survey standards, which have increased rainfall depths for a 10-year storm from 2.86 inches to 3.3 inches (the plan is meant to be designed for a 10-year storm) and 2) analyze costs and schedule impacts if preliminary layouts were changed to minimize tree loss.  It was noted in the packet that 1) the original layouts, which would result in the loss of many trees, were proposed with guidance from the Park District staff, in locations that would achieve the required amount of stormwater storage and have the least impact on the park operations and 2) a change to a smaller footprint would likely require a pumping station at each park. See below for a note on the current status of the stormwater plan.
• Bid farewell to outgoing Trustees Julie Wolf and George Pearce and swore in new Trustees Peter Barrow and Gina Kennedy and returning Trustees Senta Plunkett and Daniel Sullivan.

 
Park Board

• Held its final public hearing on the Village’s stormwater plan, which calls for retention tanks in 3 parks; this public hearing was with respect to the 13.9 acre-foot underground storage tank to be installed at Thornwood Park.  See below for a reminder of the current status of the stormwater plan.
• Discussed getting facilities ready for the summer season, including at Gillson Park, where the Lakefront Project was nearing completion.
• Bid farewell to outgoing Commissioners Stephanie Foster, John Olvany, Ryrie Pellaton, and Shelley Shelly and swore in new Commissioners Cecilia Clarke, Julia Goebel, Michael Murdock, and Todd Shissler.
• Elected Amy Wolfe as President and Gordon Anderson as Vice President.

 
Current Status of Stormwater Project--Wilmette Village Board and Park District:

• Village’s outside engineering firm is currently working on 30% design of project.
• Village targeting Fall 2019 bid for Phase 1A storm sewers, with sewer construction taking place winter 2019/2020.
• Retention tanks at 3 parks to be installed one at a time, targeting Community Playfield for summer 2020, Hibbard Park for summer 2021, and Thornwood Park for summer 2022.
• The Park Board and Park District staff have now held 6 meetings for public input, 1 public hearing and 1 staff-led meeting with respect to each of the 3 parks.
• Our League has previously asked the Park Board to determine the potential positive/negative environmental, economic and usage impacts the plan has on the parks, particularly in light of potential changing needs over the 100-year life span of the tanks.
• The Village and Park District are continuing their discussions, taking into account public input, and working toward an Intergovernmental Agreement with respect to this project.

 

​As of April 12, 2019:

Since last month’s report, LWVW Observers attended various local government board meetings, and observed the following:
 
Village Board: By consensus the VB agreed to make a major structural change to the way the Village funds its 2 public safety pension plans (for police and fire) in order to address unfunded liabilities in those plans (currently at $56.5 million and growing without structural changes) and even-out and ultimately reduce anticipated Village contributions to those plans.  The structural change involves moving to a 15-year rolling amortization schedule, and is anticipated to result in greater Village contributions to those plans in FY 2020-2023, but ultimately $38 million less in Village contributions between now and 2040 compared to the current policy. Increased contributions in the earlier years are anticipated to be funded by General Fund reserves and tax levy increases. Village staff indicated that making this change would be preferred by bond rating agencies, with hopes that the change could help Wilmette retain its Aaa bond rating, which is important as it helps to minimize future debt costs.
 
Park Board:  The Park Board is continuing its review and hearing public comments on the Village Stormwater Plan, which calls for retention tanks in 3 parks.  This month the Park Board held a public hearing on the plan as it relates to Hibbard Park, and heard from the Village’s engineering firm and Park District’s architecture firm on placement alternatives for the tank at Hibbard that would preserve space for a potential building of a new rec center at Hibbard, given that the current CRC was not built to be a rec center (it was originally a school) and that the Park District may in the 100-year life span of the tank want to replace the CRC. They advised that the best space for the tank while preserving space for a CRC replacement building (while underscoring there are no plans to do so) would be east of the current building along Glenview Road, then turning north along Skokie Blvd and in the triangular wedge at the north end of the park. The existing skate park in that area would be replaced and about 40 trees in that area would be cut down.  With respect to the tanks at both Hibbard and Community Playfields, public input has included residents who say Park District should prioritize allowing the biggest tank possible at both locations to provide the greatest stormwater relief, as well as residents who say the Park District should prioritize tree conservation in determining tank placement.
 
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed: The BoE approved a 5-year contract extension for Superintendent Paul Sally beginning July 2019, 1 year prior to when his initial 3-year contract was set to expire.  The BoE also received its annual School Climate Report, which mostly showed positive results, though indicated some concerns around social-emotional safety and social media and also a less positive experience for students with racial identities that are not white.
 
WPS D. 39 Board of Ed: The BoE reviewed the 2019-20 non-operating funds tentative budget and received a mid-year report of this year’s new strategic initiatives, Differentiated Instruction and Nutrition.
 
Wilmette Library Board: The Library Board in a 5-1 vote approved a bid to replace 10-year old phone equipment and heard that the start date for its outdoor renovation may be delayed because of issues getting permits from the Village.
 
Upcoming Meetings that We Will Observe in the Next Month:
Wilmette Library Board: Finance Committee April 15, Board April 16
WPS D. 39: Committee-of-the-Whole April 15, Board of Ed April 22
NTHS D. 203 Board of Ed: April 15
Village Board: April 23, May 14
Park Board:  May 13

As of March 18, 2019:
 
Village Board: Approved expansion of a special use and a 3-space parking variation for Harper School construction related to anticipated Kindergarten Enrichment; multiple neighbors voiced concerns, citing current parking/traffic/safety problems in the area.  Neighbors’ concerns were noted and a commitment was made to address them.  Approved a recodification of the Village Code, with changes that staff reports are mostly technical or consistent with current practice.  Heard from Loyola Academy students advocating for affordable housing.
 
Park Board: Held its first public hearing on the VIllage Stormwater Plan as it affects the parks.  Will hold two more public hearings at the beginning of the next two board meetings (April 8 and May 13), and Park District staff will hold meetings at the affected parks on April 3 (Community Playfield), April 24 (Hibbard) and May 22 (Thornwood).  Residents who spoke or wrote in about the plan mostly wanted the plan to go forward without delay.  The Park Board is especially interested in input about what enhancements residents want made to the parks as a part of the construction.  Our League has previously asked the Park Board to determine the potential positive/negative environmental, economic and usage impacts the plan has on the parks, particularly in light of potential changing needs over the 100-year life span of the tanks.
 
WPS District 39 Board of Education: Approved bids for this summer’s HMS construction totalling ~$3.5M and hopes to go out to bid in March for this summer’s proposed Harper KE construction. Received a mid-year report on the second part of this year’s strategic plan (mid-year on 3rd part next month). Heard from administrators about how they are addressing vaping concerns, mostly at WJHS, and about surveys regarding changes made this year to instrumental music program.
 
NTHS District 203 Board of Education: Heard from administrators on Student Well Being Report, with much discussion on concerns regarding stress, binge drinking and unhealthy weight management techniques.  Approved maximum allocation of $177,767 for scholarships for class of 2019 from Scholarship Trust Fund, a separate 501(c)(3) scholarship organization that has been in existence for 70 years and had assets of $3,289,345.39 on December 31, 2018.
 
Library Board:  Approved bids for this spring’s outdoor renovation project.
 
Join us in this important work and become an observer! Contact Mary Lawlor at lwvwobservers@gmail.com

​Governments We're Monitoring

Wilmette Village Board of Trustees:
The Village Board is the legislative and policy-making body of the Village and includes the Village President and six Trustees. The Village Board usually meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm at Village Hall. Regular Village Board meetings are broadcast live on cable Channel 6 and replayed the following day at 1 pm.
​https://www.wilmette.com/village-board/

Board of Park Commissioners
The Board of Park Commissioners oversees the administration of the Wilmette Park District.
Meetings are usually held on the 2nd Monday of each month in the Village Hall Council Chambers at 7:30 pm.
Wilmette Park District Administrative Offices: 847-256-6100
Website: www.wilmettepark.org

Wilmette Public Library Board of Trustees
The Library Board generally meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm in the Staff Lounge at the Wilmette Public Library

District 39: Wilmette Elementary
Board of Education meetings are usually held on the 4th Monday of the month at 7 pm at the Mikaelian Education Center. Changes to this schedule are posted on the website.
Website: www.wilmette39.org

District 203: New Trier High School
Meetings are usually held on the 3rd Monday of the month. The board meets at 7:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room (C234) at the Northfield Campus. Meeting dates are subject to change.
Website: www.newtrier.k12.il.us

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